Did ITZY really open the 4th generation of girl groups with their 2019 debut?
A recent Pann post titled “ITZY is not a 4th generation group” has been gaining attention. The original poster wrote:
“Even though some ITZY fans argue that ITZY is 4th gen, ITZY is definitely not 4th gen. 4th generation of girl groups started with STAYC and aespa.
ITZY debuted on February 12, 2019. When was that? It was right after BLACKPINK’s “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” and TWICE’s “Yes or Yes.” They debuted before the release of “Kill This Love” and “Fancy”.
2019 was the time of intense competition among 3rd gen girl groups. 3rd gen girl groups were at their prime. Amidst this fierce competition, ITZY suddenly opened the 4th generation by themselves with “Dalla Dalla”? Does that make any sense?
The groups that debuted around the same time as ITZY are IZ*ONE and LOONA. These groups debuted within a few months of each other, so are they also considered 4th gen?
All these girl groups are referred to as 3.5th gen, so why is ITZY the only one labeled as 4th gen?
ITZY fans always bring up the argument that if that’s the case, then TXT also debuted with ITZY in 2019, so why is TXT considered 4th gen while ITZY shouldn’t be?
In the first place, there has never been a time when both male and female idols started a generation simultaneously.
3rd gen boy groups started with EXO in the early 2010s, while girl groups were still referred to as 2nd gen until later when Apink, Girl’s Day, and AOA, from then on, were called 2.5th gen.
Then, around 2015-2016, GFRIEND and TWICE opened the 3rd generation of girl groups, and from that point, they were called 3rd gen girl groups.
To change generations, the previous generation idols must decline, and various girl groups then emerge and rise. So, during the most competitive period for the 3rd gen girl groups, why would ITZY suddenly open the 4th generation by themselves?”
Other netizens’ comments under the post:
- 2019 was not the end of the 3rd generation. It was the peak of TWICE and the rise of BLACKPINK, causing a fierce battle. Moreover, the comeback with “Psycho” elevated Red Velvet to their peak. At that time, when the previous generation idols were discussing contract renewals and decline, and rookies were emerging, ITZY claimed to open the 4th generation? Doesn’t make sense.
- Sorry, but at that time, wasn’t it unclear from public opinion alone? When “Dalla Dalla” became a hit, there was no talk about opening the 4th generation. People still debated between 4th and 3.5th generations. It wasn’t until aespa’s “Next Level” that the generational shift was finally mentioned, and the idea that girl groups are still in the 3.5th generation has never been brought up. It’s clear that the current girl groups are considered 4th gen after “Next Level.”
- ITZY debuted when 3rd gen girl groups were doing well, but they didn’t have any significant impact after “Dalla Dalla,” and they haven’t achieved much since then. 3rd gen girl groups have been thriving all along, so arguing that ITZY is part of the 4th generation is quite dumb.
- As for the 4th generation of boy groups, some say TXT opened it, but I’m not sure. Boy groups still feel like they belong to the 3rd generation.
- “Dalla Dalla” didn’t even reach the top spot on annual chart, and they couldn’t even achieve daily No.1. And the fans ITZY opened the 4th generation with that?
